Dive into a vibrant multicultural food scene, wander through UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial sites and take in the natural beauty of the river in Parramatta, Sydney's second major city centre and the historic heart of Western Sydney.

Eat your way through history

Step back into Sydney's rich colonial past in riverside Parramatta Park, right in the city centre, starting with a fascinating tour of Old Government House. Let your imagination roam as you explore the oldest surviving public building in Australia – both this handsome Georgian building and the park are World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites.

Slow down and stroll along the tree-lined banks along Parramatta River, and end your walk by feasting on Middle Eastern- and Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Misc, housed in a striking pavilion inside Parramatta Park.

Enjoy a side of sightseeing with a vegan salad or a steak sandwich at Havenstone, a café and event space housed in the heritage-listed Parramatta Female Factory, a former convict facility for women across the river from Parramatta Park.

Take a tour or catch a show

Gain insights into the lives of the first European settlers in the area on a tour through the historic house and gardens of Elizabeth Farm in Rosehill, a five-minute drive from central Parramatta. It was built in 1793 for a young John and Elizabeth Macarthur, best known as pioneers of the Australian wool industry. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of one of the oldest surviving European buildings in the country, explore the glorious gardens and marvel at the elegant interiors.

Then connect with Western Sydney's multicultural melting pot on a Taste of Afghanistan and Syria tour through the neighbouring suburb of Merrylands, a 10-minute drive from central Parramatta, with Taste Cultural Food Tours. The 3.5-hour tour will fly by as you'll explore this fascinating area, which is home to a number of refugee communities, indulge in delicious  dishes and meet talented refugee guides, chefs and business owners who share their stories from home and their journeys to Australia.

Be inspired by the energy of western Sydney's arts scene as you settle in for an evening of theatre, dance or comedy at the Riverside Theatre, to the north of the city centre, or check out the latest exhibition of local art at the artist-run space Pari, on the western fringe of central Parramatta.

Savour the many flavours of Parramatta

Start the day by getting your buzz on at local favourite Circa Espresso, which roasts its coffee in-house, or grab some smashed avocado at the vegan-friendly Lil Miss Collins, a cute café fashioned from shipping containers and recycled timber. Choose your own adventure with unique, colour-packed brunch dishes such as taro hotcakes or a Japanese omelette at Social Hideout.

Feast on authentic, mouth-watering vegetarian Indian dishes inspired by the traditional street food of Mumbai at Chatkazz Harris Park, a five-minute drive from central Parramatta – some of the recipes featured on the extensive menu can't easily be found outside Mumbai.

Ease into the evening with a natural, unfiltered craft ale at Riverside Brewing Company's cellar door in North Parramatta, or dress up and enjoy a killer cocktail at the Alex & Co. mega bar on Church Street, the city's buzzing eat street.

Feel like part of an extended Greek family at Kouzina Greco, on Phillip Street, which has been putting a modern twist on traditional Greek dishes made with locally sourced and sustainable produce for more than two decades.

Bond with your travelling companion over a series of small share plates at Lilymu, where executive chef Brendan Fong gives the flavours of China and southeast Asia a delectable twist. Or devour one of the best steaks in the west at Hunter and Barrel, on the eastern fringe of the city.

Elevate your after-dinner drinks at Nick & Nora's Parramatta, a rooftop bar styled like a New York City penthouse on the 26th floor of the luxury V by Crown residential tower.

Rest and recharge

Retreat for the night to the five-star SKYE Suites Parramatta, which combines architectural muscle with spacious boutique accommodation in the heart of the city centre. Stretch out in a luxurious suite and enjoy the resort-style outdoor infinity pool, spa, gym and sauna – and 24-hour guest services.

Or relax at the end of a busy day exploring the city at the centrally located Mantra Parramatta, which offers a range hotel suites and self-contained apartments, Parkroyal Parramatta, near the restaurants of Church Street, or Rydges Parramatta, opposite the Rosehill Gardens racecourse less than 10 minutes from central Parramatta.

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